Which Lowlight Lens

[gilpen123]

I have long wanted to have a good lowlight lens where I narrowed my choice between a Leica 50 1.4 V2/V3 pre asph and a Nikon 50 1.4 S3 reissue with Amedeo adapter. The aspherical 50 and Nocti are too expensive for my budget. The VC 50 1.1 is too big, the Zeiss 50 1.5 issues on focus shift and optimization is not to my taste. I had the reissued S3 with 50 1.4 and that lens is darn sharp but the S3 patch contrast is not good for my bad eyesight so I sold it and since then bought the M2. M3 and M6. My main criteria is good to excellent wide open and character. What will be your choice between the 2? Thanks!

 

[filmtwit]

Canon 50mm f1.4

 

[Krosya]

Well, from your choices I'd go with a Nikkor. However, I'd also suggest CV 50/1.5 or if you want a smaller lens - CV 40/1.4. Since you feel that Noctilux is too expensive and CV 50/1.1 is too big , I suppose M-Hexanon 50/1.2 is not on your list either? Also, Canon 50/1.5 (Sonnar) is a good lens to consider - if you can find one.

 

[gilpen123]

Had the Canon 50 1.4 it's a good lens but I sold it already with the Canon P. I also have the VC 40 1.4SC which I still use with my RD1. This one will be used mostly for film camera and also RD1 from time to time. I actually just got the 50 1.4 pre asph V2 now from a fellow RFFr and my newly CLAd M6 0.85 with MP finder is back from "the golden touch." I was surprised by Sherry's fast turn around of my M6 CLA about 7 days and it's done. That includes 2nd curtain replacement also.

Zen Shooter. I have the mega pearl with my RD1 and I guess it will help me focus fast lenses.

 

[gilpen123]

Had the Canon 50 1.4 it's a good lens but I sold it already with the Canon P. I also have the VC 40 1.4SC which I still use with my RD1. This one will be used mostly for film camera and also RD1 from time to time. I actually just got the 50 1.4 pre asph V2 now from a fellow RFFr and my newly CLAd M6 0.85 with MP finder is back from "the golden touch." I was surprised by Sherry's fast turn around of my M6 CLA about 7 days and it's done. That includes 2nd curtain replacement also.

Zen Shooter. I have the mega pearl with my RD1 and I guess it will help me focus fast lenses.

 

[ferider]

I've shot both and decided for the Summilux. The Nikkor has nicer OOF, better close up performance and less distortion. The Summilux is very coma and flare resistant and has higher (very high!) center sharpness at infinity wide open, and also some barrel distortion. It exhibits veiling flare close up (< 1.5m), Leica glow 🙂, which generally I find distracting. Also, sometimes but rarely some double lines, etc, in the OOF. Mostly nice bokeh though.

If you shoot people mostly, get the Nikkor. If you want a documentary lens, shot mostly at medium to long distances wide open in the dark, get the Summilux. And get the older 1m min. focus Summilux: smaller, better built, and longer throw (which is good for a fast 50, IMO).

And of course, the Amadeo adapter is a bit of a usability pain.

BTW, if you get a good one, the CV Nokton 50/1.5 is practically on par with both, if you want to save money and don't mind the size and Cosina on the beauty ring.

Roland.

 

[Sonnar Brian]

If you like shooting with a Nikon RF, then the 50/1.4 and Amedeo adapter. if you are shooting Leica only, then go with the Summilux or the modern 50/1.5 Nokton.

I have the 50/1.4 on my S3-2000, and an Amedeo Adapter. I have yet to use the Nikkor on my Leica's. I should, just to test it against the other lenses.

 

[FrankS]

Consider the CV 40mm f1.4 lens.

 

[gilpen123]

Thanks everyone, the 50 1.4 summilux V2 is in the mail now. OMG my 50s are growing have 6 now ; Hex 50 2.0, Cron 50 2.0, Summarit 50 1.5, Elmar 50 2.8 (ltm), Canon 50 1.8 and this one in the mail.

 

[Krosya]

Just six? hehe 😉

 

[gilpen123]

Hopefully it's over but I hope the millenium with amedeo doesn't show up here and oh the aspherical will be a good reason to save up hehehe.....

 

[thinkfloyd]

Hehe Gil, what you're saying totally contradicts your signature 😀

 

[gilpen123]

Franz that's a psychological quote to stop my unstoppable LAS

 

[biomed]

BTW, if you get a good one, the CV Nokton 50/1.5 is practically on par with both, if you want to save money and don't mind the size and Cosina on the beauty ring.
Roland.

I'll second this - a very good lens for the price!

 

[thinkfloyd]

Franz that's a psychological quote to stop my unstoppable LAS

Hehe I know what you mean... hopefully I end my unquenchable thirst soon too! 🙂

 

[gilpen123]

Right on Franz.

Actually I have my eyes on the Nokton 50 1.5 since it came out specially the review of Erwin Puts using an RD1. The samples I've seen in the net are good but I've also longed to get the summilux pre asph and the compactness and character of this lens.

 

[thinkfloyd]

It never ends... I'm eyeing a pre-ASPH 50 summilux as well 🙂 But not in the near future... after fixing my car first, then I'll go for one 😀

 

[-doomed-]

I have and really enjoy the 50/1.5 if it weren't for the fact that its pretty massive. there are a few images in my gallery here shot with the nokton 50/1.5

 

[pagpow]

Hehe Gil, what you're saying totally contradicts your signature 😀

Just cuz Gil recognizes it doesn't mean he can abide by it. Maybe this is a cry for help. 'Course he may not find a lot of folks here to help him.😀

 

[kzphoto]

I own the v3 50/1.4 and I've seen some photos from the re-issue Nikkor. The Nikkor is sharper throughout all ranges, but the Leica has a beautiful OOF rendering when wide open and close up.

If you want character, get the Leica. If you want better overall performance get the Nikkor.